Govt sets target to attract two million tourists within 2020

May 29, 2018

Finance Miniser Dr Yuvaraj Khatiwada arrives at the federal parliament building ahead of budget presentation for the fiscal year 2018/19 in Kathmandu on Tuesday. Photo: Mukunda Kalikote/Reporters’ Club Nepal

KATHMANDU, May 29: The government has set a target to develop tourism-friendly infrastructures with an objective of attracting two million tourists within 2020.

The budget for the fiscal year 2018/19 presented by Finance Minister Dr Yubraj Khatiwada at today’s meeting of Federal Parliament mentioned to promote domestic tourism, adding that the government would forward development of necessary infrastructures and programs to attract tourists adopting the policy, ‘Visit country first, then abroad’.

The budget has also made necessary arrangement to run tourism business round the year, attracting the tourists from neighboring countries India and China.

Nepal Academy of Tourists and Hotel Management would be developed as Tourism University and necessary process in this regard forwarded for the same.

The budget also set a target to make mountaineering safer and systematic and the government has allocated Rs 5.20 billion for the development and promotion of tourism sector.

Similarly, the government has allocated Rs 19.35 billion for the development of aviation sector. Initiating construction of Nijgadh Airport, starting the service after concluding the construction works of under construction Gautam Buddha Airport and Pokhara Regional Airport are other priorities.

Likewise, the budget has aimed at upgrading Tribhuvan International Airport and domestic airports. RSS